Leadership Self-Awareness: The Secret to Transforming Performance

What makes a leader truly exceptional? Is it their charisma, their strategy, or perhaps their ability to stay ahead of the curve? The answer might surprise you. It’s their self-awareness—the ability to understand and act on feedback, both strengths and weaknesses. This often-overlooked skill has the potential to unlock unprecedented levels of performance within an organization.

Self-awareness in leadership isn’t just a soft skill; it’s a cornerstone for success. Leaders who actively seek feedback and act on it not only build trust but also inspire their teams to reach new heights. As highlighted in a recent Flourishing Culture Leadership Podcast featuring Ashley Wooldridge, Sr. Pastor, and Jeff Osborne, Executive Pastor from Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV), this trait plays a critical role in driving operational excellence. Combined with insights from Korn Ferry’s article A Better Return on Self-Awareness, this blog dives deep into how self-aware leadership transforms organizational performance.

The Power of Feedback in Leadership

One of the most profound aspects of self-awareness discussed in the podcast is the desire to receive feedback and act on it. Jeff Osborne emphasized the importance of listening generously to employees and acknowledging organizational blind spots. This approach builds trust and fosters transparency—a hallmark of great leadership. A leader’s willingness to acknowledge feedback and develop action plans based on it shows their team that they value everyone’s contributions.

Feedback, however, is only the beginning. Korn Ferry’s research supports this, finding that organizations led by self-aware executives consistently outperform those that aren’t. Their article, A Better Return on Self-Awareness, revealed that self-aware leaders are better equipped to handle challenges, adapt to change, and make strategic decisions.

Turning Insights into Action

Self-awareness isn’t just about introspection—it’s about action. At CCV, surveys and feedback loops are not simply filed away; they are used to craft actionable strategies. For example, after identifying areas of improvement through regular employee engagement surveys, Jeff and his team implemented three key actions:

1. Transparent Communication: Sharing both successes and challenges openly to build trust.
2. Focused Development: Tailored training programs to address gaps and foster growth.
3. Accountability in Leadership: A commitment to follow through on feedback and visibly measure progress.

By addressing feedback head-on, CCV maintained an employee engagement rate of over 80%, demonstrating that investing in self-awareness leads to measurable results.

Why Self-Awareness Equals Better Performance

Korn Ferry’s research indicates that self-aware leaders outperform because they can adapt more effectively to their environments. They identify their strengths and weaknesses and make informed decisions, which cascades into a more engaged and motivated team. Leaders like those at CCV exemplify this principle, creating a culture where employees feel heard and valued.

When leaders practice self-awareness, they also set a tone of accountability across their organizations. This fosters a high-performance environment where people are empowered to contribute their best.

Building Self-Awareness in Leadership

How can leaders cultivate self-awareness to drive performance? Here are some strategies inspired by CCV’s practices and Korn Ferry insights:

• Seek Regular Feedback: Use tools like employee engagement surveys and 360-degree evaluations to uncover blind spots.
• Act on Insights: Create tangible action plans based on feedback and communicate them transparently.
• Model Vulnerability: Acknowledge mistakes and areas for improvement; this creates a culture of trust.
• Invest in Development: Provide opportunities for leaders to grow through coaching, training, and mentorship programs.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Leaders

In a world where rapid change demands agility, self-awareness is more critical than ever. Leaders like Ashley Wooldridge and Jeff Osborne showcase how embracing feedback and acting on it can create a thriving culture of performance and engagement. The evidence is clear—self-aware leaders drive better results, both for their teams and their organizations.

So, are you ready to reflect, receive feedback, and take your leadership—and your organization—to the next level? The journey starts with one simple question: How self-aware are you?

Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) is a non-denominational evangelical Christian multi-site megachurch based in Metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. Their mission is to win people to Christ, train believers to become disciples, and send disciples to impact the world. CCV has 17 locations across Arizona, with a weekly attendance of approximately 39,869 people. The church employs over 500 staff members to support its extensive operations and outreach programs.